North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network

06/10/2026

Wednesday Wisdom

This Men’s Mental Health Week (June 9–15), let’s break the silence together. Strength isn’t about carrying the weight alone—it’s about having the courage to reach out, speak up, and support one another. Too often, men feel pressure to “just handle it,” but real bravery is found in honest conversations and asking for help.

Take a moment this week to check in with the men in your life. Ask how they’re truly feeling, listen with compassion, and remind them that support is always available. Your simple act of care could be the lifeline someone needs.

If you or someone you know could use support in Ontario, here are some helpful resources:

- ConnexOntario: Free, confidential help for mental health, addiction, and gambling. Call 1-866-531-2600 or chat online: https://connexontario.ca/
- 211 Ontario: Dial 2-1-1 for local community and mental health services. https://211ontario.ca/
- BounceBack Ontario: Free CBT-based support for adults and youth 15+. https://mindyourmind.ca/self-expression-design-labs/blog/bounceback-program-cmha/
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program: Free support for adults facing depression and anxiety. https://www.therapyontario.ca/
- Canadian Men’s Health Foundation: MindFit tools, stories, and virtual support. https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
- 988 Su***de Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 anytime for immediate support.

Let’s make it normal to talk about mental health. Together, we can create a community where men feel safe to seek help and know they’re not alone.

06/09/2026

Professional Palliative Education Portal

Supporting your team through accessible, evidence-informed learning in palliative care.

The North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network’s Professional Palliative Education Portal includes modules on A Palliative Approach to Care, Advance Care Planning, Breast Cancer, Chronic Renal Failure, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD and a Palliative Approach to Managing Dyspnea, Grief Happens, Pain Assessment, Palliative Care Emergencies, and more.

This free educational resource is designed to help support professionals with practical tools and knowledge they can use in everyday care.

Scan the QR code or visit nsmhpcn.ca/ppep-login/ to access the full portal.

06/08/2026

Planning ahead can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a free, informative session designed to help you navigate important decisions with clarity and confidence.

“When Time Matters Most” Pre-Planning Seminar
Presented in partnership with IG Private Wealth Management and Galina Johnston.

Learn what you need to know about pre-planning, estate responsibilities, and protecting your legacy—all in a supportive, easy-to-understand setting.

Save your spot today: https://nsmhpcn.ca/event/when-time-matters-most-pre-planning-seminar/

Are you prepared for the future? Join us for our FREE “When Time Matters Most” Pre-Planning Seminar with IG Private Wealth Management and Galina Johnston!

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24th
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Orillia Common Roof Building, 169 Front St S, Orillia

In just one hour, you’ll learn about:
• Pre-planning arrangements
• Executor roles and next steps
• Taxes, estate settlements, and fiduciaries
• Digital legacies

Take the first step in securing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Reserve your spot now: https://nsmhpcn.ca/event/when-time-matters-most-pre-planning-seminar/

Questions? Contact Lori Gill at [email protected] or (705) 325-0505 ext. 221.

06/06/2026

Today, we remember D-Day — June 6, 1944 — when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in one of the most courageous and pivotal operations in history. We honor the bravery, sacrifice, and determination of the troops who fought for freedom and helped change the course of the Second World War.

Never forget the lives lost, the families forever affected, and the lasting legacy of those who served.

June 6, 1944. Today, we mark the anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. 14,000 Canadians stormed Juno Beach, showing unparalleled bravery in the face of fierce resistance. 359 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice that day.

We stand in silent gratitude for the heroes who broke through the Atlantic Wall and paved the path to liberation.

Learn more: https://youtu.be/p4zzgMR0nk0?si=iEcrj88NX5_VVCYl

Photo: Photo: Troops of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade
(Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders) going
ashore from LCI (L) 299 [Landing Craft Infantry],
Bernières-sur-mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944.
[Library and Archives Canada 3408540]

06/05/2026

🌟 Myth vs. Fact Friday! 🌟

Myth: Only physicians and nurses can access FREE education at NSMHPCN.

Fact: Our free education is open to EVERYONE on the care team—PSWs, Social Workers, Care Aides, Volunteers, Nurses, Physicians, and more!

Why does this matter? Because palliative and hospice care is a true team effort. When every member of the care team is empowered with knowledge, we create stronger connections, better communication, and more compassionate care for those we serve.

From our Professional Palliative Education Portal to a wide range of online courses, there’s something for everyone. Let’s keep learning—together.

Discover more: https://nsmhpcn.ca

06/04/2026

Join us for an inspiring evening at Hospice Orillia to discover how you can help build a dementia friendly community! 🌟

Learn practical ways to support people living with dementia and their care partners, and find out how small changes can make a big difference. This free event is open to everyone who wants to make Orillia more inclusive and supportive.

🗓️ Thursday, June 11th, 2026
⏰ 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 169 Front St. S., Orillia (Orillia Common Roof building)
💬 RSVP: https://hospiceorillia.ca/support/dementia-friendly-communities/

Limited seats available—register today and be part of positive change!

06/03/2026

Wednesday Wisdom – National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month—a time to learn, reflect, and honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

As part of our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, we invite you to listen, learn, and take meaningful action. Explore stories, resources, and ways to engage this month and beyond:

🔗 About National Indigenous History Month: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095?fbclid=IwY2xjawSLtRhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGWnNMQ0U5NFFiSzZVenZIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmISGnPSE1FsHVwwCP6ekaMRNr3bDTIA6OZ11Ntxh8Ho83UUqIZ2fFsvXPZ__aem_WmweA67y2F18b0_rMlEgqQ
🔗 Indigenous Connections – Parks Canada: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512
🔗 Empowering the Spirit: https://empoweringthespirit.ca/
🔗 Indigenous History by Historica Canada: http://education.historicacanada.ca/en/collections/18
🔗 Indigenous History Month YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOe6XX2wBaiaQjya3wDSDv5_JisIr_Jw9

Scan the QR codes in the image or click the links above to discover more. Let’s walk together on the path of reconciliation and celebrate Indigenous voices, stories, and wisdom.

06/02/2026

Today is What Matters to You Day—a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect.

In a world that rarely slows down, it’s easy to overlook the moments and people that truly shape our lives. For us, it’s the simple joys: sharing time with loved ones, feeling seen and heard, and creating space to be ourselves—free from judgment or expectation. It’s the power of kindness, the comfort of support, and the courage to show up for one another, even in the smallest ways.

What matters most isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s a quiet conversation, a gentle reminder to breathe, or knowing you’re not alone on your journey.

Today, our team is taking time to check in—with each other and with our community. We’re choosing to ask, to listen, and to care with intention. Curious about what matters to us? Head to our story to see some of what matters to our team.

We’d love to hear from you: What truly matters to you? Share in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to focus on what’s most important. 💙

Join the movement: https://theberylinstitute.org/wmty/

06/02/2026

Grief & Bereavement: An Introductory Course for Healthcare Workers

Discover how to support yourself and others through grief and bereavement. Join our FREE virtual “Grief & Bereavement: An Introductory Course” with the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network. This interactive workshop explores grief, mourning, and death in our society, offering practical skills and self-reflection for healthcare providers.

Upcoming Sessions:
🗓️ June 18, 2026 | Register by June 3
🗓️ September 15, 2026 | Register by August 31
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
💻 Online | No cost

Scan the QR code or visit nsmhpcn.ca/gbi to learn more and register.

Let’s create a compassionate community together.

06/01/2026

Are you prepared for the future? Join us for our FREE “When Time Matters Most” Pre-Planning Seminar with IG Private Wealth Management and Galina Johnston!

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24th
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Orillia Common Roof Building, 169 Front St S, Orillia

In just one hour, you’ll learn about:
• Pre-planning arrangements
• Executor roles and next steps
• Taxes, estate settlements, and fiduciaries
• Digital legacies

Take the first step in securing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Reserve your spot now: https://nsmhpcn.ca/event/when-time-matters-most-pre-planning-seminar/

Questions? Contact Lori Gill at [email protected] or (705) 325-0505 ext. 221.